Dog Ears (Scar Excess)

Dog Ears (Scar Excess) are small, puckered folds or protrusions of skin that can develop at the ends of linear incisions or wound closures. They form when there is uneven distribution of tissue, excess skin, or curvature of the incision that, when closed, gathers at the margins; factors such as skin elasticity, body area, and tension across the wound influence their development.

Some dog ears will soften and flatten over weeks to months with conservative care such as scar massage, silicone applications, and time, but persistent or prominent dog ears can be corrected with a minor surgical revision that removes the excess tissue and recontours the scar. Surgeons also use planning and specific closure techniques during the initial procedure—for example gradually tapering incisions or strategic excision patterns—to reduce the likelihood of dog-ear formation and improve the final scar shape.